BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- A corrections officer at the Donaldson Correctional Facility in western Jefferson County was killed in a motorcycle crash in Graysville as he was on his way to work this morning, authorities said.

Anthony James Tanniehill, 43, of Birmingham, was killed in the single-vehicle crash in the 4200 block of Brookville School Road, said deputy Jefferson County Coroner Bill Yates. Tanniehill was on his way to work at the corrections facility when the crash happened. He was driving a 2012 Suzuki GSX-R1000 , he said.

It appeared Tanniehill lost control of the motorcycle as he navigated a curve in the roadway, left the roadway, and then struck a fire hydrant, Yates said. Graysville's fire department responded and pronounced Tanniehill dead at the scene at 6:08 a.m., he said.

Alabama State Troopers, which are investigating the crash, reported the crash happened about 5:15 a.m. today.

A motorist had found Tanniehill laying along the side of the road, Yates said. Tanniehill was wearing a helmet, Yates said.